Greek archaeological sites may open to advertisers to ease national debt - The Best from Greece

The Greek Culture Ministry said on Tuesday January 17 it is making it easier to rent some of the nation's most iconic archaeological sites for filming and photography for advertisers and other ventures.

The ministry says the money raised would help maintain and protect the sites. The new plan would allow for greater access to the ancient Greek ruins.

Until now, ministry officials have been very selective in deciding which projects were allowed to use the nation's ancient ruins.

In December, the Greek government lowered the rent for many historic sites, including the Acropolis, to about 2000 dollars per day, a rate which is less than half of the 2005 cost.

The Greek government is trying to negotiate its debt reduction in an effort to secure a new 165 billion dollar bailout to avoid a default on financial obligations it owes in March.

Source: VOA News